South Africa arrests 56 for taking Cabinet ministers hostage
The Hindu
Police tried to negotiate with the hostage-takers and when that failed they “resorted to a tactical approach and successfully rescued the hostages,” the South African Police Services said.
South African police said Friday they have arrested 56 people who will likely face charges of kidnapping after two government Cabinet ministers and a deputy minister were held hostage for three hours when a meeting with military veterans of the fight against apartheid ended in disagreement.
Police were called to a hotel in the Centurion area near the capital Pretoria on Thursday night to rescue Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise, her deputy minister Thabang Makwetla, and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, who had been meeting with veterans of various groups that were part of the armed struggle which started in the 1960s against the apartheid regime in South Africa.
The meeting broke down quickly and the three government officials were prevented from leaving the room by some of the veterans, Mr. Gungubele said.
UN Secretary-General assesses Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh amid fears of aid cuts, welcomed by Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs adviser.
US and Israel consider Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland as potential destinations for resettling Palestinians from Gaza.
Millions face displacement as aid cuts worsen global refugee crisis, leaving vulnerable populations without essential support.
American Airlines plane catches fire at Denver airport, passengers evacuated safely, minor injuries reported, FAA to investigate.
Meta Platforms Inc. says it will launch its crowd-sourced fact-checking program, called Community Notes, on March 18.
Judge blocks mass firings of federal probationary workers, orders reinstatement, sparking legal battle over Trump administration's downsizing efforts.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok urges respect for Constitutional Court ruling on impeachment, warns against challenging public authority.
Trump reiterates desire to annex Greenland for international security, highlighting Chinese and Russian interest in Arctic region.
Trump administration seeks Supreme Court approval for birthright citizenship restrictions amid legal battles, facing nationwide block and constitutional challenges.
Interim government of Ethiopia's Tigray region appeals for federal intervention as TPLF faction seizes control, raising civil war fears.
Possible link between Starlink internet and cyber fraud in Myanmar-Thailand border, as Indian citizens repatriated from scam call centres.
Russian President Putin supports U.S. ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, emphasizing terms must lead to lasting peace.
Russian President Putin supports U.S. ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, emphasizing terms must lead to lasting peace.